Transferred to another life

*Chapter Fifty-Four: The Return of the Suitor**

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Olivia paced the dimly lit corridors of the old estate, her mind still buzzing with the events of breakfast. The tension with Clara and the cracks she had started to create in her father's trust were working in her favor. But the path ahead was still uncertain. As she pondered her next move, a knock echoed through the hall.

She wasn't expecting anyone. Her family had made it clear she was unwelcome, and Aunt Beatrice had been silenced after her subtle intervention. Curious but cautious, Olivia approached the door, her hand hovering over the knob for a brief moment. With a deep breath, she pulled it open.

Standing before her was a figure she hadn't seen in months—Lord Vincent Blackthorn, her former suitor. Tall, with raven-black hair and piercing green eyes, he cut an imposing figure, dressed impeccably in his tailored coat and boots, exuding the confidence of nobility. But beneath the poised exterior, Olivia could see a flicker of something else: worry.

"Vincent?" she asked, her surprise clear. "What are you doing here?"

His eyes softened as he took in her disheveled appearance, his gaze briefly lingering on her face. "Olivia, I came as soon as I heard what happened. I needed to see you."

Olivia felt a wave of emotions wash over her—relief, confusion, and a tinge of suspicion. Vincent had courted her months ago, but their relationship had faltered when the troubles at Darkwood Manor began. He had left without a word, leaving her to face the mounting family drama alone.

"And what exactly have you heard?" she asked, crossing her arms defensively.

Vincent hesitated for a moment, glancing around as if ensuring they were alone. "That your family has cast you out, accusing you of dark magic and poisoning Matthew. I couldn't believe it, Olivia. I had to know the truth."

Olivia narrowed her eyes. "So, you've come to find out if I'm guilty?"

"No." Vincent's voice was firm as he stepped closer. "I came because I know you're not. I came because I care about you."

Olivia's heart skipped a beat at his words, but she quickly hardened herself. She had trusted him once, and he had left. Now, with everything falling apart, she wasn't sure what his true motives were.

"And what makes you so sure I'm innocent?" she asked, her tone sharp.

Vincent looked into her eyes, his voice softening. "Because I know you, Olivia. You're not capable of the things they've accused you of. I've always known there was more going on with your family. And now, seeing the way they've turned against you, I'm certain something darker is at play here."

Olivia studied him for a long moment, searching his face for any sign of deception. But Vincent's expression was sincere, his concern genuine. For a brief moment, the walls she had built around herself wavered.

"They've turned everyone against me," Olivia admitted, her voice quieter now. "Even Aunt Beatrice. They've painted me as a villain, Vincent. And I'm beginning to wonder if I should start acting like one."

Vincent's brows furrowed, concern etching across his handsome features. "Don't say that, Olivia. You're stronger than they are. You don't need to become what they accuse you of."

Olivia's heart clenched at his words, but she shook her head. "It's not that simple. They've left me no choice. They've taken everything from me—my home, my reputation. I can't just stand by and let them win."

Vincent reached out and gently took her hand, his touch warm against her cold skin. "You're not alone anymore, Olivia. I'm here. I can help you."

Olivia looked down at their joined hands, her mind racing. Part of her wanted to believe him, to lean on him and let him take some of the burden she had been carrying for so long. But another part of her remained wary. Trust was a luxury she couldn't afford right now.

"How do I know I can trust you?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Vincent's grip on her hand tightened slightly, his green eyes locking onto hers. "You don't. But I swear to you, Olivia, I will prove myself. I left before because I was scared of what your family might do to me if they knew how much I cared for you. But I won't make that mistake again."

Olivia felt the sincerity in his words, and for a moment, her defenses lowered. She remembered the nights they had spent together, the quiet conversations, the shared dreams of a future far away from the suffocating grasp of Darkwood Manor. There had been a time when she believed in him—believed they could be something more.

But things had changed.

"I appreciate you coming back," Olivia said, her voice steadying. "But things are different now. I've changed. I'm not the same woman you left behind."

Vincent's gaze didn't waver. "I know. But that doesn't mean you have to face this alone."

Olivia's mind whirred with possibilities. Vincent's return could be an opportunity. He had resources, connections, influence—everything she needed to tip the scales in her favor. But could she trust him? Was his loyalty to her real, or was he just another pawn in the twisted game her family had set in motion?

She looked into his eyes, searching for any hint of ulterior motive. But all she saw was the same man she had once cared for, standing before her, offering her a lifeline.

"I don't know if I can trust anyone right now," Olivia admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vincent took a step closer, his voice low and earnest. "Then trust that I'm here for you. Whatever you decide, whatever you need, I'm on your side."

Olivia felt the weight of his words sink in. For the first time in what felt like forever, she wasn't sure what to say. Part of her wanted to believe him, to accept his help and let him shoulder some of the burden she had been carrying. But another part of her was wary, too guarded to let her walls down completely.

"Come inside," she finally said, stepping back and opening the door wider. "We have much to discuss."

As Vincent entered the estate, Olivia's mind raced with possibilities. Whether he was truly on her side or not, she would find a way to use him to her advantage. Because now, more than ever, she was determined to take back everything that had been stolen from her—and she wouldn't stop until Darkwood Manor was hers again.

Vincent's return had given her something she hadn't felt in a long time: hope. But Olivia knew that in this game of power, trust was the most dangerous weapon of all.

And she intended to wield it carefully.